Can SMPS based preamps/amps sound organic ?

Lately I have been reading about some well known companies who make amps and preamps based on switch mode (digital) power supply. Nagra, David Berning, Linn, Crayon Audio comes to mind. I have heard a couple of their products but I always seem to hear some kind of switching noise which comes through as "digital" sounding. The organic quality is somewhat robbed and replaced with some hash. I wonder if there are any designs using SMPS that can actually sound natural and organic ?

To me it seems mostly a matter of convenience to use SMPS but I would love to discuss.

pani05-25-2016 4:46pm

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bombaywalla Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,958 posts 05-30-2016 at 04:24pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for the clarification, Almarg. The fact that the 2013 patent application (I believe it was 2013 & not 2003) has not issued seems par for the course. I had one patent application issue in 2015 when it was filed in 2011. Re. the 'patent pending' on his Magtech regulated power supply - not finding any patent application or issued patent is a mystery indeed.... Like you wrote - maybe he never pursued a patent & the other press is now old & written words cannot be retracted today?
almarg Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,670 posts 05-30-2016 at 05:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks, Bombaywalla. Yes, a delay of a few years between application and grant would certainly be understandable. My reference to 2003 for the "encapsulated composite electrostatic loudspeaker stator" application you had found was correct, however. As can be seen on the left side of the page, a short way down from the top: "Filed: October 30, 2003." Best regards, -- Al
kijanki Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,432 posts 05-30-2016 at 08:30pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Patent does not mean much (I have couple of them). Patenting new principle of operation is practically impossible, so the most of people patent specific use. You can come up with any weird stuff and register it. Patent office does not check validity of the idea. They only check if it was used before - no matter how stupid. The word "Patent" suggests originality.
atmasphere Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 11,896 posts 05-31-2016 at 08:20pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Ralph, I am familiar with the very high sound quality of your products, are you suggesting that they'd sound even better if you could use SMPS rather than LPS? Charles, I think its very possible. SMPSs have the advantage of better regulation over traditional supplies.
charles1dad Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,250 posts 05-31-2016 at 10:06pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Ralph, I appreciate your candor. Thanks, Charles,